Liturgy of the Eucharist: The Offertory to Communion

The Liturgy of the Eucharist is the second main part of the Mass, in which the bread and wine are offered, become the Body and Blood of Christ, and are given to the faithful in Holy Communion. It follows the actions of Jesus at the Last Supper: he took the bread and the cup, gave thanks, broke the bread, and gave it to his disciples. Below are its parts in order, from the offertory to the prayer after Communion, with what each means.

Three actions from the Last Supper

The General Instruction of the Roman Missal explains that the Liturgy of the Eucharist is arranged to correspond to Christ’s own words and actions (GIRM 72):

He took the bread and the cup: the Preparation of the Gifts.
He gave thanks: the Eucharistic Prayer.
He broke the bread and gave it: the Communion Rite.

The chalice of benediction, which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? And the bread, which we break, is it not the partaking of the body of the Lord?
For we, being many, are one bread, one body, all that partake of one bread.

The Preparation of the Gifts (the Offertory)

The collection is taken up for the Church and the poor, and the altar is prepared with the corporal, the purificator, the Missal and the chalice.
The procession of the gifts: members of the congregation often bring the bread and wine to the altar, a sign of our offering of ourselves.
The offertory prayers: the priest lifts the bread, then the chalice, blessing God for these gifts of creation and of human work. If there is singing, he says these prayers quietly; otherwise he may say them aloud and the people answer with a short acclamation blessing God.
Water and wine: the deacon or priest pours a little water into the wine, praying that we may share in the divinity of Christ, who shared in our humanity.
Incense may be used on the gifts, the altar, the priest and the people.
The washing of hands: the priest washes his hands, asking to be cleansed of sin.
“Pray, brethren”: the priest invites the people to pray that the sacrifice may be acceptable, and they respond that the Lord may accept it for his glory, for our good and for the good of all his holy Church.
The Prayer over the Offerings concludes the preparation.

Jesus taught that our offering must come from a reconciled heart:

If therefore thou offer thy gift at the altar, and there thou remember that thy brother hath any thing against thee;
Leave there thy offering before the altar, and go first to be reconciled to thy brother: and then coming thou shalt offer thy gift.

In the Mass before 1970, the Offertory had a longer series of prayers, such as the Suscipe, sancte Pater (“Receive, O holy Father”), offering the Host for the living and the dead.

The Eucharistic Prayer

The center and summit of the Mass begins with the Preface dialogue (“Lift up your hearts”) and the Sanctus, continues with the calling down of the Holy Spirit and the consecration, the Mystery of Faith, the offering and intercessions, and ends with the doxology and the Great Amen. See our full guide to the Eucharistic Prayer and Holy, Holy, Holy.

The Communion Rite

The Lord’s Prayer. All pray the Our Father, asking for daily bread and for forgiveness. The priest continues with a prayer for deliverance and peace, and the people answer with an ancient doxology praising God’s kingdom, power and glory.
The Rite of Peace. The priest prays for the peace and unity of the Church and wishes the people “the peace of the Lord.” Then, if appropriate, the deacon or priest invites all to offer one another the sign of peace.
The Fraction. The priest breaks the Host and places a small piece in the chalice, while all sing or say the Lamb of God.
Invitation to Communion. The priest shows the Host with the words of John the Baptist, “Behold the Lamb of God” (John 1:29), and all answer with a humble prayer taken from the words of the Roman centurion who asked Jesus to heal his servant:

And the centurion making answer, said: Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldst enter under my roof: but only say the word, and my servant shall be healed.

Communion. The faithful receive the Body of Christ, and sometimes the Precious Blood, answering “Amen.” A Communion song is sung. See who can receive Communion.
Silence and thanksgiving, then the Prayer after Communion.

The sign of peace

The sign of peace expresses the communion of the Church and our love for one another before we receive the One who is our peace. The priest’s prayer echoes Christ’s words at the Last Supper:

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, do I give unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid.

The General Instruction asks that it be offered “in a sober manner” and only to those nearest (GIRM 82). The form, such as a handshake, a bow or a nod, is set by each bishops’ conference and local custom. It is optional: the priest may omit the invitation, and during times of illness people often exchange a bow instead of a handshake.

After Communion

The Liturgy of the Eucharist ends with the Prayer after Communion. Then come the brief Concluding Rites: any announcements, the blessing and the dismissal (in Latin, Ite, missa est), which sends the people out to live what they have celebrated, and all answer “Thanks be to God.” Many people stay to pray a prayer after Communion.

Frequently asked questions

What are the parts of the Liturgy of the Eucharist?

The Preparation of the Gifts (offertory), the Prayer over the Offerings, the Eucharistic Prayer, and the Communion Rite (the Lord’s Prayer, the sign of peace, the Lamb of God, Communion and the Prayer after Communion).

What is the offertory at Mass?

The moment when the bread and wine are brought to the altar and offered to God, together with the gifts of the people. Today it is called the Preparation of the Gifts.

Is the sign of peace required?

No. It is offered “if appropriate,” and the priest may omit the invitation.

When does the Liturgy of the Eucharist begin?

After the Prayers of the Faithful, which end the Liturgy of the Word.

More about the Mass

Texts and sources

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:16–17; Matthew 5:23–24; Matthew 8:8; John 1:29; John 14:27, Douay-Rheims Bible (Challoner), public domain.
General Instruction of the Roman Missal 72–90.
Descriptions of the rites were written for this page; the official texts of the Roman Missal are not reproduced.